<ul>
<li>Espeon is blessed with access to one the best abilities in the game: Magic Bounce</li>
<li>It has a nice speed stat complemented by a high special attack.</li>
<li>Espeon has a pretty good movepool to make use of.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>Espeon is quite frail on both physical and special sides.</li>
<li>Its typing isn't amazing offensively or defensively.</li>
<li>Faces stiff competition from the plethora of new specially based Pokemon.</li>
</ul>

<p>Blessed with a stellar ability and speed tier, Espeon makes great use of the dual screens strategy. The premise of the set is to set up both Reflect and Light Screen to aid teammates, which is an especially effective strategy when paired with setup sweepers. Thanks to Magic Bounce, Espeon finds countless opportunities to switch in on status moves used by Pokemon such as Forretress or Chansey. Despite having high speed, setting up Reflect before Light Screen is usually ideal as it gives Espeon extra protection from common answers and switch-ins to it.</p>

<p>Baton Pass is a useful utility move which allows Espeon to bypass its Pursuit weakness, outspeeding two major Pursuit users in Scizor and Tyranitar. It also allows Espeon to scout for switches and gain momentum. However, Hidden Power Fire is also a decent option as it enables Espeon to deal large amounts of damage not only to the troublesome Scizor, but also to Ferrothorn and Forretress: two entry hazard setters Espeon can switch into. Espeon's surprisingly high Special Attack stat of 130 makes an appearance on the set in ensuring that it isn't setup bait for opposing Pokemon. Psyshock is generally best paired with Hidden Power Fire and allows Espeon to target the lower physical defense of many Pokemon. However, Psychic has greater power and more utility with Baton Pass.</p>

<p>Maximizing its HP and Speed stats assist Espeon in doing what it does best: set up screens. While more defensive investment is possible, having Espeon outspeed Pokemon and set up screens before they attack is generally more worthwhile. A Timid nature is required as it allows Espeon to get the upper hand on anything below base 110 Speed.</p>

<p>Teammates that stand out for Espeon are those that appreciate the dual screen support it offers and that can also abuse Magic Bounce. For these reasons, Volcarona and Dragonite both make great partners as they can set up without worrying about Stealth Rock ruining their day. Volcarona, as well as other Fire-types, are also exceptional partners in checking Scizor, which threatens Espeon lacking Hidden Power Fire. Haxorus is another frail sweeper which enjoys the utility that this Espeon set provides.</p>

<p>Espeon's unique access to Baton Pass, Magic Bounce and Stored Power make it a central member of any dedicated Baton Pass team. Magic Bounce provides tremendous utility for these types of teams, reflecting Taunt and phazing moves. Stored Power is the main win condition for Baton Pass teams, having its power amplified for every boost that is accumulated. Equipped with Baton Pass itself, Espeon can not only receive boosts but also continue the chain.</p>

<p>Calm Mind allows Espeon to boost the damage of Stored Power and raise its Special Defense at the same time. Espeon can also opt for Substitute in order to block critical hits and priority, which would otherwise dismantle dedicated Baton Pass teams. Dazzling Gleam is a great coverage move, hitting Dark-types that are immune to Stored Power.</p>

<p>The EV spread gives Espeon as much physical bulk as possible in order to be able to switch in on Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Skarmory which scare Espeon's teammates with phazing moves. A Bold nature also assists in maximizing Defense. While investing in Speed and Special attack might seem worthwhile, with the boosts Espeon receives through Baton Pass, such investment is superfluous.</p>

<p>This Espeon set should never be outside of dedicated Baton Pass teams. As such, Baton Pass staples such as Scizor, Scolipede,and Mr. Mime all make to be excellent teammates. Scizor and Scolipede provide essential Defense and Speed boosts, respectively, while Mr. Mime grants an immunity to Perish Song. Vaporeon is also a good partner, being able to make large Substitutes, phaze opponents through Roar, and boost with Acid Armor. Finally, Sylveon and Mawile can also pair nicely with Espeon as they can provide defensive boosts while the latter also has access to Taunt to stop setups weepers.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Relying on status moves to defeat Espeon is ineffective as it possesses Magic Bounce, meaning that offensive presence is mandatory. Assault Vest Tyranitar typically makes a strong Espeon counter, having a large Special Defense stat coupled with Crunch and Pursuit. Scizor can take most hits barring Hidden Power Fire and deal hefty amounts of damage with U-turn or Pursuit. Moreover, Volcarona can set up Quiver Dances in Espeon's face and proceed to deal large amounts of damage with Bug Buzz. In a similar vein, Aegislash can set up Sword Dance with little worries and proceed to KO Espeon with Shadow Sneak. Dark-type Pokemon, such as Malamar and Pangoro, are immune to Espeon's Psychic STAB and can deal lots of damage back; although they must watch out for Dazzling Gleam.</p>

Crypto and I made this quick skeleton on Skype to post and we should have it more properly formatted/written and ready for QC checks tomorrow night. Take not that Signal Beam is not on the offensive set as it is a gen 5 tutor move. If you see any illegal sets feel free to comment but we know that we haven't mentioned everything yet.

edit: just in case you forget
[10:16:44 PM] alex: things to do for you: delete extra space in the dedicated baton pass set & change the EVs so that they are the onsite bw2 ones
[10:17:00 PM] alex: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

I think xatu serves a better role with magic bounce, although weak to ice and electric which can be nullified by using roost, it's part flying type gives it better switch in options to set up wizards. It threatens ferro etc even scizor better with heatwave, keeps breloom in double check with access to psyshock/chic, provides u turn support to volt-turn cores, can baton pass too, wish pass, list is endless almost and can provide this all with a better bulk/typing than espeon can. Scizor/genesect/lando t won't ohko xatu with u turn which they're all capable of doing to espeon, the only thing xatu fears from scizor is pursuit but so does espeon, base 95 speed isn't terrible and you can get away with not investing in it too deeply to counter sub/toxic defensive gliscor as xatu doesn't fear earthquake.

I use this build and it performs much better than espeon imo with scarf genesect running around, 48 speed and timid means it can outspeed jolly scizor albeit not common but being kept in check by such little ev investment doesn't hurt, it also out speeds defensive gliscor. 188 def gives it more than sufficient defensive bulk to survive stabs from set up walls and breloom/scizor, 132hp hits a leftovers % and by not investing in sp def means genesect gets a sp atk boost against it rather than a physical one which eases pressure on the rest of the team by not having to worry about +1 u turns which are arguably worse. 140 sp atk investment means you can run expert belt and get a guaranteed ohko on specially defensive sword dance scizor. Heatwave is obvious to check all the common steel walls and bulky amoonguss, psyshock is a 2nd win condition against amoonguss since it's stab and also keeps breloom in check. Roost to keep xatu in the game more. Now the 4th move is filler and in gen6 can be your best friend too, since xatu gets access to the much sought after defog meaning if u mis-predict and ur opponent gets rocks up xatu can be your pseudo spinner too, hp ice is an offensive filler and can dent many pokemon on the switch as well as gliscor 1v1. Toxic can also be used to play stall games with chansey etc, u turn to give volturn support. There's so much more viable, can use trick with choice specs/scarf to further cripple everything it already checks or could even outspeed mega gengar that may try to revenge kill it thinking it can trap and outspeed. Xatu also takes about half dmg from specially defensive heatran meaning it can stall it with roost if it comes in on the switch, or if heatran switches in and has hp ice, roost up to nullify its ice weakness.

Alright, QC agreed to remove the offensive set as most of the Pokemon who you even do serious damage to won't be staying in on Espeon in the first place. What makes Espeon shine is the fact that it can successfully run a Dual Screens set while preventing hazards from going up / Being an excellent Baton pass recipient/passer.

Alright, QC agreed to remove the offensive set as most of the Pokemon who you even do serious damage to won't be staying in on Espeon in the first place. What makes Espeon shine is the fact that it can successfully run a Dual Screens set while preventing hazards from going up / Being an excellent Baton pass recipient/passer.

Mention Malamar, Pangoro and Chandelure in the C&C section.

Click to expand...

Understood. The offensive set has lost a lot of value over the generation shift and we mainly added it to see if it was QC worthy. Crypto and I will chat on Skype/FB tonight and make these changes. Thanks, Somalia.

<p>Blessed with a stellar ability and speed tier, Espeon makes great use of the Dual Screens strategy. The premise of the set is to set up both Reflect and Light Screen to aid teammates, which is an especially effective strategy when paired with set-up sweepers. Thanks to Magic Bounce, Espeon finds countless opportunities to switch in on status moves used by Pokemon such as Forretress or Chansey. Despite having high speed, setting up Reflect before Light Screen is usually ideal as it gives Espeon extra protection from common answers to it.</p>

<p>Baton Pass is a useful utility move which allows Espeon to bypass its Pursuit weakness, outspeeding two major Pursuit users in Scizor and Tyranitar. It also allows Espeon to scout for switches and gain momentum. However, Hidden Power Fire is also a decent option which enables Espeon to deal large amounts of damage to Ferrothorn and Forretress, two hazard setters it can switch into, as well as the troublesome Scizor. Espeon's surprisingly high Special Attack stat of 130 makes an appearance on the set in ensuring that it isn't set-up bait for opposing Pokemon. Psyshock is generally best paired with Hidden Power Fire and allows Espeon to target the lower physical defense of many Pokemon. However, Psychic has greater power and more utility with Baton Pass.</p>

<p>Maximizing its HP and Speed stats assist Espeon in doing what it does best: set up screens. While more defensive investment is possible, having Espeon outspeed Pokemon and set up screens before they attack is generally more worth it. A Timid nature is required as it allows Espeon to get the upper hand on anything below base 110 Speed.</p>

<p>Teammates that stand out for Espeon are those that appreciate the dual screen support it offers and that can also abuse Magic Bounce. For these reasons, Volcarona and Dragonite both make great partners as they can set up without worrying about Stealth Rock ruining their day. Volcarona, as well as other Fire-types, are also exceptional partners in checking Scizor, which threatens Espeon lacking Hidden Power Fire. Haxorus is another frail sweeper which enjoys the utility that this Espeon set provides.</p>

mrglass:
Smogon don't add IVs into analyses unless a Pokemon has things such as a combination of Trick Room and Hidden Power. It is assumed that most special attackers will go for min attack and clutters up the analysis or something. Thank-you for your input.

I'd also like to see some mention of its Pursuit weakness in the Cons section, as it heavily limits Espeon's ability to bounce back Stealth Rock and is mentioned heavily in the Checks and Counter Section.

<ul>
<li>Espeon is blessed with access to one the best abilities in the game: Magic Bounce</li>
<li>It has a nice speed stat complemented by a high special attack.</li>
<li>Espeon has a pretty good movepool to make use of.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>Espeon is quite frail on both physical and special sides.</li>
<li>Its typing isn't amazing offensively or defensively.</li>
<li>Faces stiff competition from the plethora of new specially based Pokemon.</li>
</ul>

<p>Blessed with a stellar ability and speed tier, Espeon makes great use of the dual screens strategy. The premise of the set is to set up both Reflect and Light Screen to aid teammates, which is an especially effective strategy when paired with setup sweepers. Thanks to Magic Bounce, Espeon finds countless opportunities to switch in on status moves used by Pokemon such as Forretress or Chansey. Despite having high speed, setting up Reflect before Light Screen is usually ideal as it gives Espeon extra protection from common answers and switch-ins to it.</p>

<p>Baton Pass is a useful utility move which allows Espeon to bypass its Pursuit weakness, outspeeding two major Pursuit users in Scizor and Tyranitar. It also allows Espeon to scout for switches and gain momentum. However, Hidden Power Fire is also a decent option as it enables Espeon to deal large amounts of damage not only to the troublesome Scizor, but also to Ferrothorn and Forretress: two entry hazard setters Espeon can switch into, as well as the troublesome Scizor. Espeon's surprisingly high Special Attack stat of 130 makes an appearance on the set in ensuring that it isn't setup bait for opposing Pokemon. Psyshock is generally best paired with Hidden Power Fire and allows Espeon to target the lower physical defense of many Pokemon. However, Psychic has greater power and more utility with Baton Pass.</p>

<p>Maximizing its HP and Speed stats assist Espeon in doing what it does best: set up screens. While more defensive investment is possible, having Espeon outspeed Pokemon and set up screens before they attack is generally more worthwhile. A Timid nature is required as it allows Espeon to get the upper hand on anything below base 110 Speed.</p>

<p>Teammates that stand out for Espeon are those that appreciate the dual screen support it offers and that can also abuse Magic Bounce. For these reasons, Volcarona and Dragonite both make great partners as they can set up without worrying about Stealth Rock ruining their day. Volcarona, as well as other Fire-types, are also exceptional partners in checking Scizor, which threatens Espeon lacking Hidden Power Fire. Haxorus is another frail sweeper which enjoys the utility that this Espeon set provides.</p>

<p>Espeon's unique access to Baton Pass, Magic Bounce and Stored Power make it a central member of any dedicated Baton Pass team. Magic Bounce provides tremendous utility for these types of teams, reflecting Taunt and phazing moves. Stored Power is the main win condition for Baton Pass teams, having its power amplified for every boost that is accumulated. Equipped with Baton Pass itself, Espeon can not only receive boosts but also continue the chain.</p>

<p>Calm Mind allows Espeon to boost the damage of Stored Power and raise its Special Defense at the same time. Espeon can also opt for Substitute in order to block critical hits and priority, which would otherwise dismantle dedicated Baton Pass teams. Dazzling Gleam is a great coverage move, hitting Dark-types that are immune to Stored Power.</p>

<p>The EV spread gives Espeon as much physical bulk as possible in order to be able to switch in on Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Skarmory which scare Espeon's teammates with phazing moves. A Bold nature also assists in maximizing Defense. While investing in Speed and Special attack might seem worthwhile, with the boosts Espeon receives through Baton Pass, such investment is superfluous.</p>

<p>This Espeon set should never be outside of dedicated Baton Pass teams. As such, Baton Pass staples such as Scizor, Scolipede, and Mr. Mime all make to be excellent teammates. Scizor and Scolipede provide essential Defense and Speed boosts, respectively, while Mr. Mime grants an immunity to Perish Song. Vaporeon is also a good partner, being able to make large Substitutes, phaze opponents through Roar, and boost with Acid Armor. Finally, Sylveon and Mawile can also pair nicely with Espeon as they can provide defensive boosts while the latter also has access to Taunt to stop setup sweepers.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Relying on status moves to defeat Espeon is ineffective as it possesses Magic Bounce, meaning that offensive presence is mandatory. Assault Vest Tyranitar typically makes a strong Espeon counter, having a large Special Defense stat coupled with Crunch and Pursuit. Scizor can take most hits barring Hidden Power Fire and deal hefty amounts of damage with U-turn or Pursuit. Moreover, Volcarona can set up Quiver Dances up in Espeon's face and proceed to deal large amounts of damage with Bug Buzz. In a similar vein, Aegislash can set up Sword Dance with little worries and proceed to KO Espeon with Shadow Sneak. Dark-type Pokemon, such as Malamar and Pangoro, are immune to Espeon's Psychic STAB and can deal lots of damage back; although they must watch out for Dazzling Gleam.</p>